BILLERICAY Town’s three-match unbeaten run came to an end with a 1-0 defeat at Carshalton Athletic.

Kieran Woodley scored the game’s winning goal for the home side on the stroke of half-time.

And Billericay’s misery was compounded late on when striker Ricky Sappleton was sent off.

Town’s Junior Luke forced Robins’ goalkeeper Dean Snedker into an early save but Billericay goalkeeper Billy Lumley then also did well to save from Steve Butterworth.

Lumley then also kept out Woodley’s powerful header but the striker was not to be denied as he latched on to Alex Addai’s lay off before powering forward and firing home.

Billericay improved after the break and dominated possession as the game wore on but the Carshalton back-line stood firm.

Sappleton wasted the visitors’ best chance in the 85th minute when he sent a free header wide of goal and his frustration increased right at the death when he was sent off for a rash tackle on Tommy Bradford.

The defeat saw Billericay slip to 13th in the standings and they will be seeking an immediate return to winning ways when they travel to 15th-placed Hendon tonight.